Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) boasted one of the strongest squads in IPL 2025, featuring players like Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Pat Cummins, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Heinrich Klaasen. Despite this formidable lineup, SRH failed to finish in the top four last season. Ahead of IPL 2026, they acquired several young talents through the mini-auction and added experienced names such as Liam Livingstone, Jack Edwards, and Salil Arora. Here let us take a look at SRH’s predicted playing XI for the upcoming season.
SRH predicted playing 11 for IPL 2026 after auction
Top Order: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan
SRH is expected to retain the same top-order combination. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma will open the innings. Head scored over 300 runs in IPL 2025, although his impact was somewhat inconsistent. Abhishek Sharma has been a standout performer, scoring more than 400 runs in IPL 2024 and 2025, and has been exceptional for India in T20Is, currently holding the No. 1 ICC T20I batting ranking.
At No. 3, Ishan Kishan will anchor the middle of the innings. His IPL 2025 numbers were modest, scoring just over 300 runs. However, he led Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 final and displayed impressive form with the bat. If he carries this momentum into IPL 2026, he could make a significant impact for SRH.
Middle Order: Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma
Heinrich Klaasen is expected to be the backbone of SRH’s middle order. He has scored over 400 runs in three consecutive IPL seasons while maintaining a strike rate above 170, proving his ability to dominate bowling attacks. Klaasen’s form will be crucial for the team’s success.
Aniket Verma, likely to bat at No. 5, scored over 200 runs last season. While his numbers are not eye-catching, he has played key innings under pressure and has the potential to develop into a reliable middle-order contributor as the tournament progresses.
All Rounder: Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins, Harsh Dubey
Nitish Kumar Reddy will be SRH’s primary all-rounder. Though his IPL 2025 performances were average, he showcased his talent in IPL 2024 and has featured intermittently for India across formats. His contributions with both bat and ball could prove vital.
Pat Cummins will lead the team and contribute primarily with the ball while also providing finishing support with the bat. Harsh Dubey made a mark in the latter stages of IPL 2025, taking five wickets in three games. His domestic form suggests he could make a bigger impact this season with opportunities in both batting and bowling.
Bowler: Jaydev Unadkat, Harshal Patel, Zeeshan Ansari
SRH’s bowling department may appear slightly weak on paper but can be effective with disciplined performances. Jaydev Unadkat will be the lead pacer, having taken 11 wickets in seven games last season while maintaining a good economy rate.
Harshal Patel will hold the middle and death overs, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2025 and over 150 career wickets. Zeeshan Ansari, a leg-spinner, had a quiet previous season but is expected to improve and make crucial contributions in the middle overs.
SRH predicted playing XI for IPL 2026:
Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (WK), Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins (C), Harsh Dubey, Jaydev Unadkat, Harshal Patel, Zeeshan Ansari
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